What is the difference between small cell and non-small cell lung cancer?
The names “small cell” and “non-small cell” refer to how these cancers look to a pathologist when viewed under a microscope. The majority of lung cancers are non-small cell. Non-small cell lung cancer accounts for approximately 80% of all lung cancer cases, and is usually broken down into four subtypes: Squamous cell carcinoma, adenocarcinoma, bronchioalveolar carcinoma and large-cell undifferentiated carcinoma. • Squamos cell carcinoma is the most common form of lung cancer. It develops inside the lining of the bronchial tubes and is most commonly diagnosed in men. • Adenocarcinoma is the most common type of lung cancer primarily affecting women and non-smokers. This non-small cell lung cancer subtype is found in the glands of the lungs that produce mucus. • Bronchioalveolar carcinoma is an uncommon subset of adenocarcinoma, which forms near the lungs’ air sacs. • Large-cell undifferentiated carcinoma is capable of rapid growth, and typically develops near the surface, or outer edges,
